West Ham saviour Ilan has vowed to continue his red-hot scoring form after also inspiring his old side St Etienne to survival last term.

The Brazilian striker, 29, has become an instant hit at Upton Park with three goals since arriving in January from the French top flight.

He netted a last-gasp equaliser at Everton earlier this month and scored the winner in West Ham’s previous game, at home to Sunderland.

The star, capped three times by his country in 2003, is looking to add to his tally tonight when Gianfranco Zola’s side visit Liverpool.

With the Hammers just three points above the relegation zone, the pressure is on the debt-ridden East End club.

But Ilan beat the drop in France when he scored the first goal as St Etienne’s captain on the final day of last season in a 4-0 win against Valenciennes. “The club was going through relegation danger and I scored a goal on the last day to help us survive,” said Ilan, who invited Mirrorsport into his London home.

“At St Etienne I was captain for the second half of the season. We needed to win and another result to go our way on the final day.

“As a skipper representing the club and the supporters, it felt as good as if you win the league. That was an achievement and if I can do the same for West Ham I would be very happy.

“I hope in the next two games to get the points to ensure we don’t go through the same emotions on the last day.

“West Ham have the team to get a result at Liverpool. We know it is going to be hard but we feel we can get a result.”

Ilan always wanted to be a footballer to follow in the footsteps of his father, William, who played up front for Sao Paulo.

Ilan also played for the same club at the start of his career, alongside future Real Madrid Galactico Kaka.

But he has since eclipsed his father’s achievements by representing Brazil and winning the title back home with Atletico Paranaense before moving to France.

Ilan remains in daily contact with his relatives in Brazil including his dad, who has been a big influence on his career.

And the star admits his father loves the Premier League. He added: “We speak every day over the internet – he was an attacker as well. My dad is happy with my success but is a bit disappointed that he can’t be here to watch the games.

“In Brazil they show more Premier League games than the French League though so he can follow it better. He has told me he likes the fact I can adapt to different types of football.”

West Ham have first refusal to sign Ilan on a free transfer in the summer if they stay up and he would like to remain at Upton Park.

“In my mind I feel I can get the goals to help the club,” said Ilan.

“I am happy with my contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am in my prime and ready to do well and stay here.”